Metal cabinets are a popular choice for storage and organization in many settings including homes, garages, offices, and workshops. When selecting metal cabinets, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right material. The material affects the cabinet’s durability, strength, weight, corrosion resistance, fire resistance, cost, and overall look and feel. There are several common metals used to construct cabinets, each with their own advantages and best uses.
Steel
Steel is one of the most common metals used for metal cabinet construction. Steel cabinets provide strength and durability at an affordable price point compared to other metals.
Types of Steel
There are several different grades and types of steel to choose from when selecting steel cabinets:
- Low carbon steel – This is the most affordable and commonly used steel for cabinets. It offers moderate strength.
- High carbon steel – More carbon content increases hardness and strength. However, it is more difficult to weld and can rust more easily than low carbon steel.
- Stainless steel – Has a higher chromium content than regular steel, giving it more corrosion resistance. Most stainless used for cabinets is 304 or 316 grade.
- Galvanized steel – Steel that is coated in zinc to improve rust resistance. The galvanized coating can wear off over time.
Benefits of Steel Cabinets
There are several reasons steel is a good choice for metal cabinets:
- Affordable – Steel is economical, especially low carbon steel. This makes it accessible for most budgets.
- Strong – Steel has good tensile strength. Cabinets can handle heavy loads.
- Durable – Steel holds up well to regular use and minor bumps or scrapes. It maintains its integrity over time.
- Easy to maintain – Steel can be cleaned, sanded, and refinished as needed. It can be painted any color.
- Welded construction – Steel sheets can be welded together for seamless and sturdy cabinets.
- Fire-resistant – Steel performs better in high heat than wood or plastics. It meets fire codes for commercial and industrial uses.
Limitations of Steel Cabinets
The downsides of choosing steel cabinets include:
- Prone to rusting – Regular steel corrodes when exposed to moisture. Stainless steel is better for wet areas.
- Dents – Steel can dent from impacts, affecting appearance. Dents are difficult to remove.
- Heavy – Steel weighs more per square foot than other metals. This may make cabinets overly heavy.
- Magnetism – Steel is magnetic, which may be problematic around sensitive electronic equipment.
Best Uses for Steel Cabinets
Steel works well in these cabinet applications:
- Storage in garages, sheds, and workshops – holds up to knocks and scrapes
- Office furniture filing cabinets and organizers – affordable and fire-safe
- Utility rooms and back-of-house storage – doesn’t need cosmetic appeal
- Outdoors with additional weather protection – galvanized and stainless steel
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel contains chromium that gives it corrosion resistance. It offers a modern, sleek look.
Grades of Stainless Steel
There are different grades of stainless steel defined by the amounts of chromium, nickel, carbon, and other alloys in the metal:
- 304 – This is the most common grade used for cabinets. It has 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
- 316 – Even more corrosion resistant due to higher molybdenum content. Used in highly humid and salt air environments.
- 430 – Contains no nickel. More affordable but less corrosion resistance.
- 400 series – These affordable stainless grades have lower chromium levels. They are more prone to rust than 300 series.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Cabinets
Stainless steel is valued for these properties:
- Resists rust – The chromium content gives stainless steel excellent corrosion resistance. It can withstand moisture.
- Easy to sterilize – A smooth nonporous surface that stands up to frequent cleaning and disinfection.
- Sturdy construction – Strong and impact resistant yet with thinner and lighter gauge metal.
- Visually appealing – A clean, modern aesthetic for contemporary styles. Available in various finishes.
- Easy to maintain – Simply clean with soap and water. Does not require painting or special coatings.
- Fire-resistant – Does not combust and handles high heat. Often used in commercial kitchens.
Limitations of Stainless Steel
Some downsides to stainless steel to consider:
- Expensive – Stainless steel costs significantly more than carbon steel. Price increases with higher grades.
- Shows fingerprints – The reflective surface easily shows smudges, fingerprints, and water spots.
- Can’t be welded – Stainless steel is not compatible with welding. Rivets or adhesive must assemble cabinets.
- Difficult to repair – Minor scratches and dings are hard to fix. Painting is not an option.
- Noise – Stainless steel tends to amplify noise and sounds hollow. Loud environments should be avoided.
Best Uses for Stainless Steel Cabinets
Stainless works well for these applications:
- Commercial kitchens – easy to clean and sanitize
- Medical and lab settings – maintains sterility and cleanliness
- Bathrooms and wet bars – resists moisture and rust
- Modern styled kitchens – sleek and contemporary
Aluminum
Aluminum is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. It is easy to form which allows for unique cabinet shapes.
Types of Aluminum
There are different aluminum alloys used to make cabinets:
- 1100 – A commercially pure soft aluminum. Used for chemical equipment and appliances.
- 3003 – An alloy with manganese and magnesium added. Good for general sheet metal work.
- 5052 – Alloyed with magnesium. Has good corrosion resistance while still being workable.
- 6061 – The most common grade for cabinets. Includes magnesium and silicon. Heat-treatable and weldable.
- 7075 – An alloy with zinc. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Used for high-stress applications.
Benefits of Aluminum Cabinets
Aluminum offers these advantages for cabinets:
- Lightweight – A low density metal that is lighter than steel or stainless steel. Easy to lift and rearrange.
- Strong – Has a high strength-to-weight ratio. Thin sheets are sturdy.
- Noise-dampening – Does not amplify sound. Good for noisy settings.
- Fireproof – High melting point and low conductivity make it fire-resistant.
- Environmental – Recyclable and manufactured from recycled content.
- Thermal conduction – Rapidly conducts heat while also reflecting it. Useful around heating and cooling equipment.
Limitations of Aluminum Cabinets
Potential downsides to aluminum include:
- Cosmetic damage – Softer than steel. More likely to dent, ding, and scratch.
- Difficult to weld – Requires advanced welding methods like TIG or MIG. Can’t be soldered.
- Expensive – Raw aluminum costs more than steel. However, thinner gauges offset some expense.
- Conducts electricity – Not ideal around live electrical wires and equipment.
- Oxidizes – Unprotected aluminum will oxidize over time. Anodizing helps minimize this.
Best Uses for Aluminum Cabinets
Aluminum works well for:
- Laboratories – non-magnetic and heat resistant
- Clean rooms and hospitals – easy to disinfect
- Electronics manufacturing – lightweight with no magnetism
- Food processing and commissaries – non-porous and easy to clean
Laminates
Laminate refers to a material made by bonding sheets of metal together. This allows combining the benefits of different metals.
Types of Laminates
There are two main categories of laminated cabinet materials:
- Plywood cores – Aluminum or galvanized steel laminated onto plywood or particle board. Provides affordability.
- Metal laminates – A layer of stainless steel or aluminum bonded to a steel or galvannealed steel structural layer. Maximizes strengths of each metal.
Benefits of Laminated Metal Cabinets
The advantages of laminated metal cabinets include:
- Affordability – Cheaper than solid stainless steel or aluminum.
- Strength – The structural steel or plywood core provides stability and rigidness.
- Lightweight – Thin layers of the exterior metals keep weight down.
- Visual appeal – Can have a layer with brushed, colored, or patterned metal finishes.
- ** Noise reduction** – The vibrations of steel are dampened by bonding with other materials.
- Thermal insulation – Layers create air pockets that reduce heat conduction.
Limitations of Laminated Metal
Consider these potential laminate disadvantages:
- Prone to separating – The layers may delaminate over time, especially with moisture damage.
- Difficult to repair – Once damaged, the different layers are hard to weld or patch together.
- Not recyclable – The combination of materials makes recycling difficult compared to solid steel or aluminum.
- Thickness – Requires thicker overall dimensions to allow for the multiple layers.
- Hidden rust – Humidity and moisture can get between layers and cause unseen corrosion.
Best Uses for Laminated Metal Cabinets
Applications where laminates work well include:
- Office furniture – affordable while looking upscale
- Retail display units – visually appealing exteriors
- Medical carts – steel structure with sterilizable aluminum skins
- Laboratory casework – moisture-resistant finishes
Iron
Wrought iron and cast iron are durable, heavy material options for metal cabinets. They have an old-world, traditional aesthetic.
Types of Iron for Cabinets
The main types of iron used for cabinetry are:
- Wrought iron – Nearly pure iron that is heated, hand-worked, and hammered into shape. Used decoratively.
- Cast iron – Molten iron that is poured into molds then allowed to cool slowly. Very heavy and brittle.
- Mild steel – Iron with up to 0.3% carbon content. Can be shaped like wrought iron at a lower cost.
Benefits of Iron Cabinets
The positive qualities of iron cabinets include:
- Extremely durable – Withstands heavy use and loading without damage. Does not easily scratch or dent.
- Fireproof – High melting point makes it suitable around heat sources.
- Rustic, traditional look – Dark coloring and rough textures provide character.
- Good thermal mass – Cast iron absorbs and radiates heat slowly. Helps regulate ambient temperatures.
- Chemical resistance – Protective patinas make it inert and stable.
Limitations of Iron Cabinets
The disadvantages to consider about iron cabinets:
- Very heavy – Difficult to lift and reposition. Can make attachments to walls and floors fail.
- Brittle – Cast iron can crack under pressure or blows. Vulnerable to impact damage.
- Rusts easily – Quickly oxidizes without protective coatings. Rust can damage contents.
- Temperature sensitive – Avoid extreme hot or cold environments. Rapid temperature changes can damage cast iron.
- Difficult to repair – Cannot be welded or soldered effectively. Refinishing requires sanding back to bare metal.
Best Uses for Iron Cabinets
Ideal uses for iron cabinets:
- Antique and rustic cottage aesthetics – provides character
- Holding heavy tools – stands up to torqueing forces
- Around woodstoves – resists sparks and high heat
- Outdoor storage in cool climates – handles moisture if sealed and painted
- Holding hazardous chemicals – impervious to corrosion
Copper
Copper has natural antibacterial properties. It provides an attractive finish option for high-end metal cabinets.
Types of Copper Metal
The main kinds of copper used for cabinets include:
- Sheet copper – Basic copper sheets shaped into cabinet components. Prone to denting.
- Copper alloys – Copper mixed with other metals such as zinc (brass), tin (bronze), or nickel to improve hardness and corrosion resistance.
- Copper plating – A thin layer of copper electroplated onto steel or other base metals. Provides looks without the expense.
Benefits of Copper Cabinets
The advantages of copper cabinets are:
- Antimicrobial – Natural biostatic properties stop bacterial growth. Good for medical uses.
- Attractive finish – Warm, bright copper color gives a unique, artistic look.
- Does not rust – Resists corrosion and oxidation if properly maintained.
- Easy to solder and braze – Useful for plumbing and heating systems that require copper joints.
- Good thermal conductor – Rapidly absorbs and dissipates heat. Useful around heating elements.
Limitations of Copper Cabinets
Consider copper’s disadvantages as well:
- Expensive – More costly than steel or aluminum. Usually limited to decorative accents.
- Soft and dents – Easy to deform from impact or pressure.
- Oxidizes – Develops a patina over time that darkens the surface. Must be polished to retain brightness.
- Heavy – Weighs more than aluminum. Difficult in large cabinets.
- Toxicity – Contact over time can cause copper toxicity. Not suitable for extended human exposure.
Best Uses for Copper Cabinets
Good fits for copper cabinets:
- Accent pieces and décor – injects artistic flair
- Small jewelry cabinets – keeps items tarnish-free
- Laboratories and cleanrooms – antimicrobial
- Around heating equipment – dissipates heat quickly
- Electrical cabinets – excellent conductor
Metal Cabinet Finishes
In addition to selecting the base metal, the finish plays a large role in the final look, durability, and cost of metal cabinets.
Paint
The most common finishing option. Available in any color and provides protection for steel.
- Powder coating – A dry paint applied electrostatically then baked on. Extremely hard and durable finish.
- Enamels – High-gloss paints that dry to a hard surface. Provide a smooth finished look.
- Epoxies – Two-part paints used as primers and topcoats. Adhere well and resist chemicals.
- Latex and oil – General ready-to-use paints in many sheens and colors. Less expensive but also less durable.
Metal Plating
Thin layers of metal electro-deposited onto the base metal. Provides corrosion protection, hardness, or aesthetic qualities.
- Chrome – Polished mirrored chrome is common in bathrooms and kitchens. Provides shine and water resistance.
- Nickel – Gives a shiny metallic finish. Harder than chrome. Often used under chrome plating.
- Copper – Used decoratively. Requires constant polishing to maintain vivid coloring.
- Tin – A soft metal that protects against corrosion. Commonly seen on food cans.
Anodizing
An electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, hardened, oxide finish.
- Color anodizing – Varying the voltage produces different oxide colors on aluminum.
- Clear anodizing – Thick transparent layer strengthens and seals the aluminum while maintaining a natural metallic appearance.
- Hard anodizing – Produces an especially hard, wear and corrosion resistant aluminum oxide coating.
Metal Cladding
Thin sheets of metal laminated onto other base materials to provide surfaces with different properties than the core:
- Stainless steel skins – Laminated stainless on plywood or plastic cores is affordable and provides sterility and water resistance.
- Copper sheeting – Pure copper laminated onto wood or medium density fiberboard provides an antimicrobial copper surface at a lower cost.
- Galvanized skins – Steel coated in zinc improves corrosion resistance compared to plain wood or particle board.
- Aluminum skins – Provide dent, stain, and corrosion resistance to wood and laminate cores.
Factors In Selecting Finish
Consider these factors when choosing cabinet finishes:
- Aesthetics – Match finishes to the desired style and look.
- Durability – Harder finishes like powder coating and anodizing withstand more abuse.
- Environment – Use moisture, rust, and chemical resistant finishes as needed.
- Maintenance – Some finishes like chrome and copper require ongoing polishing.
- Budget – Simple paints and plating are most affordable. Anodizing and exotic metals increase costs.
- Safety – Ensure finishes meet codes and are non-toxic for intended uses.
Common Metal Cabinet Hardware
Proper hardware is essential to metal cabinet function and durability. Primary options include:
Hinges
Allow doors to open, close, and align properly.
- Butt hinges – Common hinge with two plates joined by a pin. Widely available.
- Concealed hinges – Mount inside cabinets for a seamless exterior look. More complex to install.
- Continuous hinges – Full length h